Fish, called a Blues prodigy at only 21, has been known to share the stage with several influential blues artists such as Tommy Castro, Tab Benoit, Shirley King, Watermelon Slim, Kenny Neal and Cedric Burnside. Her deceptively mature voice, is sultry and innocent at the same time, while her intense guitar gives her a sound that is a cross between Jonny Lang and Susan Tedeschi. Backed by Kansas City music veterans Paul Greenlease and Danny Montero, Fish has set out to show the world that she can certainly wail the Blues.
American Dream
Samantha Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tonight a new day
Lost count of how many died
At least I'm doing it my way
You're the liberated
You are the free
Free to cry and die, disenfranchise, blessed as a country
I-I'm living American dream well
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream well
Hand on a Bible
Foot on your neck
Living half-past half-mast
And semi automatic
Help ain't coming
So I prayed for you
It ain't much but it's the least I can do, well, 'cause I
I-I'm living American dream well
I-I'm living American dreams
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream well, babe
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream, woah, no
I-I'm living American dream well, baby
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream
I-I'm living American dream
Samantha Fish's "American Dream" is a protest song that conveys a scathing critique of the American dream being an empty illusion. The song's themes of disillusionment, social injustice, and political corruption are emblematic of the American society in the 21st century. The first verse focuses on the senseless loss of life resulting from indiscriminate gun violence, with the singer feeling helpless but also proud of living life on their terms, however destructive. The second verse highlights aspects of systemic oppression and the dehumanization of people, with the singer again attempting to pray for those struggling but unable to offer much material assistance.
The chorus of the song is an ironic statement, with Fish singing about "living the American dream," implying that the reality of the dream is not what it appears to be. It suggests that the great promise of America's "land of opportunity" may have lost its merit and that while some experience success, others are left behind. The bridge critiques America's foundations of religion and power, citing that religion can be used as an excuse for subjugation and that oppressive state force is the norm when life is hard.
Overall, "American Dream" is a vehement exposé of the problems facing America in the modern era. It addresses the disillusionment of the younger generation, the social injustices that prevail, the failures of government, and the parochialism that exists within society. It is a song of frustration, dissatisfaction, and reproach, but it also calls for greater compassion and empathy from the privileged.
Line by Line Meaning
Blood on a street
Violence and death are prevalent in society.
Tonight a new day
Despite the darkness of the present, there is hope for a brighter future.
Lost count of how many died
There are too many lives being lost to violence and tragedy, and it is difficult to keep track.
At least I'm doing it my way
Despite the struggles and challenges, the individual is able to maintain their sense of autonomy and independence.
You're the liberated
Those who are free have the freedom to face and experience all of the joys and sorrows of life.
You are the free
The freedom to make choices, take risks, and experience both successes and failures is a central value of American culture.
Free to cry and die, disenfranchise, blessed as a country
While there may be challenges and difficulties, Americans are still fortunate and blessed to live in a country that values freedom and independence.
I-I'm living American dream
The author is living the American dream, experiencing the ups and downs that come with it.
Hand on a Bible
Oaths taken on the Bible signal an individual's commitment to truth, justice, and morality.
Foot on your neck
Some individuals are oppressed and kept down by those in power, experiencing oppression and inequality.
Living half-past half-mast
Life is not living up to its full potential and is limited or incomplete.
And semi automatic
There are violent and dangerous forces at play, causing harm and destruction.
Help ain't coming
In some situations, individuals must rely on their own strength and resources to survive, as there is no help from outside sources.
So I prayed for you
The author is using their spirituality and faith to support and help others.
It ain't much but it's the least I can do, well, 'cause I
The author recognizes their limitations but still wants to do what they can to help and make a difference.
I-I'm living American dream well
The author is proud of their American identity and the opportunities it provides, despite the challenges they face.
I-I'm living American dreams
The American dream can mean different things to different people, but the author is experiencing their own version of it.
I-I'm living American dream well, babe
The author is expressing a sense of contentment and satisfaction with their life and their place in American society.
I-I'm living American dream
The author continues to live the American dream, with all of its ups and downs.
Contributed by Zoe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thomas Beckett
This is amazing. So powerfully great.
kimberly mann
Catch her live in 2021 after COVID. You’ll never regret it!!!
Blues Bucky
I like this song and awesome sound
Danny Ginnane-Gannon
Great song!....Great artist!!
John House
I love flute in blues... reminds me of John Mayall's 'Turning Point' album. Super great song! Who wrote it?
Jeffrey Gunn
It's one of hers. She wrote 8 of the 11 songs on this album https://www.allmusic.com/album/belle-of-the-west-mw0003095548
Trish Hall
So raw i love it
Myrt
I love her.
kimberly mann
This is opening song on most of her sets
Skirmish
Sounds like the theme song to a new sons of anarchy season.